Project Materials

ACTIVITIES OF CYTOCHROME OXIDASE IN THE RAT LIVER OF NORMAL AND PROTEIN UNDERNOURISHED RATS FED WITH DIET CONTAINING CASSAVA PEEL

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The Background of the Study 

Cytochrome oxidase (COX), commonly known as complex IV of the electron transport chain, is a key enzyme involved in cellular respiration. It facilitates the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and water by transferring electrons to molecular oxygen in the last stage of oxidative phosphorylation.

COX activity is a crucial marker of cellular energy generation since it represents the mitochondria’s oxidative capability and metabolic efficiency.

Energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are significantly influenced by nutrition. Impaired energy generation and metabolic disorders can result from inadequate diet, especially protein undernutrition, which can have a substantial effect on mitochondrial functions.

In many underdeveloped nations, where protein intake is frequently insufficient to satisfy the required daily requirements, protein undernutrition is a common issue.

Undernutrition in protein impairs many physiological functions, including mitochondrial function, in addition to growth and development.

In tropical and subtropical areas, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a commonly grown tuberous root vegetable. Because of its high carbohydrate content and capacity to grow in a variety of agroecological conditions, it is a staple food for millions of people.

However, cassava is a poor source of dietary protein since it lacks necessary amino acids and protein. Additionally, cyanogenic glycosides found in cassava have the potential to be hazardous if improperly processed.

Cassava peel waste is produced when the outer peels are removed during processing. A significant amount of the cassava crop is made up of peel, which is typically thrown away as agricultural waste.

However, because of its fibre content and bioactive substances, current research has looked into the possibility of using cassava peel as a feed item for animals.

Some animal species’ growth performance, gastrointestinal health, and nutrient utilisation have all improved when cassava peel has been added to their meals.

Although the nutritional worth and possible advantages of cassava peel have been investigated in relation to animal nutrition, little is known about how it affects liver enzyme activity and mitochondrial function, especially in cases of protein undernutrition.

Protein synthesis, detoxification, and energy metabolism are just a few of the many metabolic functions that the liver plays a crucial role in. Gaining knowledge on how dietary elements, such as protein undernutrition and cassava peel supplementation, affect COX activity in the rat liver will help one better understand the metabolic adaptations and nutritional ramifications of these disorders.

Investigating the cytochrome oxidase activities in the livers of both normal and protein-deficient rats fed a diet containing cassava peel was the aim of this investigation.

Our hypothesis was that, especially in normal rats, adding cassava peel to the diet would increase COX activity, indicating better mitochondrial oxidative capability.

Furthermore, given the established link between protein insufficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction, we expected that protein undernutrition would reduce COX activity regardless of the makeup of the diet.

We used male Wistar rats in a six-week feeding experiment to test our theories. A conventional laboratory food was given to the rats in the control group, and a diet enhanced with cassava peel was given to the experimental group. In every category, 50% of the